Rep. Gallego Statement on Secretary Austin’s Order Allowing Transgender Troops to Serve Openly
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement:
"Our Union is more perfect today following the announcement that Secretary Austin has rid the Pentagon of unnecessary and bigoted efforts to ban transgender servicemembers from our armed forces.
"Transgender troops are already serving honorably, with zero negative impact on effectiveness, unit cohesion, or readiness. Some of our most impressive officers and enlisted personnel are transgender – I know because I had the honor and privilege to meet some of them at a Military Personnel Subcommittee hearing in February 2019. What I said then remains true today: transgender Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines deserve to be treated like any other Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine. To do otherwise is irrational, based in animus, and morally unacceptable.
"I also want to directly address the transgender servicemembers positively impacted by today's order. Their service and dedication to their country in the face of spiteful, kneejerk opposition is exactly the kind of moral courage that makes the United States such a great nation. They have led by example, serving capably and honorably and blazing a trail for others to more easily follow. We should thank them for their service to the national defense and our nation's highest ideals of equality, equity, and basic fairness."